Here are 5 places to pick berries near York County, and what you need to know

Sue Meyers, owner of Sue's Market in Wrightsville, knows well the challenges of running a small-town grocery. But, she says, "I just try my best and give back to the community as much as I can."
Chris Dunn, York Daily Record

Strawberry-picking season may be over, but it's not time to turn in your buckets and sun hats just yet. There is still a full summer of berry picking to be had.

So here is a list of five places to pick berries in the York County area. But before you round up the family and head off, take a look at these tips to ensure you get the most out of your picking.

Call ahead.

Go early in the day.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Wear clothes you don't mind getting stained.

Wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Pack sunscreen.

Consider bringing your own bucket.

Wash your berries when you get home.

"Brisbane Hart, 2, of Springettsbury Township gets a mouthful of blueberries as he and his family pick them at Raven's Chestnut Sands Farm in Conewago Township on Friday, July 3, 2015. Jason Plotkin - Daily Record/Sunday News"(Photo11: "Jason Plotkin")

When blueberry and raspberry picking, it's sometimes difficult to tell if you're picking fruit that is ripe. Brown's Orchards offers a quick cheat sheet. Only pick blueberries that are a light gray-blue color, hints of red mean the berries are not ripe yet. As for raspberries, it's best to pick the ones with a deep, dark color. Ripe berries will slip easily off the stem, so if you have to pull at them, they probably aren't ripe.

More info: Raven's has roughly 5 acres of u-pick blueberries for guests to pick from and explore.

"Brisbane Hart, 2, of Springettsbury Township gets a squeeze out of a blueberry as he and his family pick them at Raven's Chestnut Sands Farm in Conewago Township on Friday, July 3, 2015. Jason Plotkin - Daily Record/Sunday News"(Photo11: "Jason Plotkin")